John,

DoorDash is lobbying Congress to pass H.R. 1319, the so-called Modern Worker Empowerment Act. This bill would let companies classify millions of workers as independent contractors instead of employees. That means delivery drivers and gig workers would lose access to minimum wage, overtime, and the right to unionize. It also means corporations could walk away from paying their share of payroll taxes that fund Social Security and Medicare.

Here is the reality. Employees and employers normally split payroll contributions, with each paying 7.65%, but independent contractors must pay both the employee and employer side of the payroll tax. By locking workers into contractor status, DoorDash avoids billions in payroll taxes, while workers pay more out of pocket.

The impact is devastating. Gig workers end up with smaller paychecks because they are covering both sides of the tax. The result is a tax system that penalizes workers while rewarding corporations that refuse to play by the rules.

DoorDash already rakes in billions from delivery fees and cuts corners on worker pay by classifying its drivers as contractors. Now it wants Congress to write this exploitation into law. We cannot allow a business model that forces workers to pay more in taxes while companies like DoorDash pocket the savings.

Stand with gig workers and demand that DoorDash stop exploiting its drivers, stop pushing for unfair contractor rules, and start paying its fair share of payroll taxes.

This fight is about more than one company. If the Modern Worker Empowerment Act becomes law, it will strip away labor protections from millions of workers across the country. It will also set a dangerous precedent where corporations get to decide whether they contribute to Social Security and Medicare or leave the entire cost to their workforce.

Workers deserve a fair wage, the right to organize, and a tax system that does not punish them for holding a job. Gig workers should not have to pay more in taxes while corporations write themselves out of responsibility.

The truth is simple. When companies like DoorDash avoid payroll taxes, workers are left to cover the bill. That makes families poorer today and retirement less secure tomorrow.

Stand with gig workers and demand that DoorDash stop exploiting its drivers, stop pushing for unfair contractor rules, and start paying its fair share of payroll taxes.

Together, we can hold corporations accountable and demand an economy that values workers over corporate profits.

John Foti
Legislative Director
Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund